The Rt. Hon Dominic Raab, in collaboration with the World Gold Council, has released a pivotal report titled Silence is Golden, which investigates the systemic threats posed by the illicit gold trade through artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM).
The report reveals that ASGM, responsible for approximately 20 per cent of the global gold supply and 80 per cent of gold mining employment, is increasingly exploited by criminal gangs, armed groups, and corrupt officials, posing significant risks to international security.
The report outlines several fundamental challenges plaguing the ASGM sector:
- Lack of Transparency: There is insufficient transparency across businesses and governments in implementing and complying with legal standards.
- Accountability Failures: These failures lead to serious breaches of national laws and international obligations, allowing criminals to operate with impunity.
- Human Rights Abuses: Criminals extract enormous profits from severe human rights abuses due to fragmented enforcement and compliance efforts across nations.
In response to these challenges, the report proposes four strategic objectives accompanied by 24 practical actions for governments, international organisations, NGOs, mining companies, and economic development bodies.
These actions include prosecuting criminal perpetrators and sustaining coordinated international efforts across G7 and G20 countries to address these pervasive issues.
Rt. Hon Dominic Raab emphasised the need for a collaborative approach, stating: “Governments, international organisations, and the gold sector must work together to prosecute criminals, prevent illicit profiteering, and integrate responsible ASGM into the legal supply chain.
“Coordinated international attention is crucial to prevent illicit gold flows from funding conflicts such as the war in Ukraine or enabling terrorist groups like Al Qaeda and Islamic State in Africa.”
David Tait, CEO of the World Gold Council, highlighted the socio-economic impact, stating: “Without viable economic alternatives, marginalised communities are forced into hazardous artisanal gold mining.
“Our partnership aims to redirect illicit gold away from bad actors and improve conditions for those in the sector.”
ASGM is prevalent in over 80 countries, notably in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
It often operates outside formal legal frameworks, making it vulnerable to tax evasion issues, safety hazards like mercury poisoning, and broader security concerns.
The report calls for a comprehensive approach involving the formalisation of ASGM activities to mitigate these risks and promote sustainable development.
